Charlie George: a Bulwark of the City Dies at 65
He directed many of Fernandina's major projects
Fernandina Beach Deputy City Manager/Engineer Charlie George has died following a health emergency Tuesday night at his home. George, 65, had previously served as interim city manager of the city until he was sidelined by heart complications last June. He was rushed to a Jacksonville hospital Tuesday evening and died Wednesday.
As city engineer, George directed major city projects such as completion of the flood protection wall on the south end of the city marina.
At the time of his passing, among numerous projects George was overseeing were plans for the next phase of the flood protection wall. He was also in charge of the construction of the new riverfront park project, the opening of Alachua Street, dredging of the city marina and a renovation plan for the historic downtown.
"Charlie was a good man. I am proud to call him my friend," said Mayor Bradley Bean. "He has served our community with honor and distinction, and he will be missed by all."
In April 2023, George became interim city manager of Fernandina Beach succeeding former police chief Mark Foxworth in the role. He resumed his role as deputy city manager that September, but was called back into service as interim city manager nine weeks later when City Manager Ty Ross resigned.
George came to the city with 35 years of experience as a structural/coastal consulting engineer along the southeast coast, most notably in Savannah, Georgia.
But a different elected city commission in 2023 voted not to pursue any action against Brett's, instead choosing to let its lease run its course until it expired in 2025.
George was most excited at the prospect of building a riverfront pavilion at the location of Brett's once the restaurant is demolished. He had built a similar structure during his time in Savannah. George had submitted a preliminary plan to the Community Redevelopment Agency Advisory Board.
The city's announcement stated:
"Charlie, as he was known to friends and family, was a well-respected member of our community. He began working with the City in November 2020, after a decades long successful career as a structural engineer in Savannah, Georgia.
Although Mr. George’s time in Fernandina Beach was cut short, his efforts will leave a lasting impact. In less than four years’ time, he made significant progress on a variety of major community projects.
Our prayers and sincere condolences are with Mr. George’s friends and family during this tragic time."
Former Fernandina City Manager Dale Martin, who hired George, said, "It was a privilege to welcome Charlie George as an integral part of the City of Fernandina Beach staff. His engineering experience assisted the city through several projects. Through our efforts together and with others, Charlie became a close friend, I offer my prayers to his family for their loss."
City Commissioner James Antun said, "My deepest condolences go out to Mr. George’s family. I am overwhelmed with a sense of shock and disbelief that such a tragic passing of our beloved friend and interim city manager/engineer could occur like this. Charlie was a hard-working and honest man who served this city with dignity. I cannot begin to find the words that express the loss I am sure we all feel, and how much he will be missed. "
Funeral arrangements are pending.
Reaction to the news of George's passing on Facebook was immediate.
"Oh gosh my heart is broken …" wrote Paul Lore.
Sheila Cocchi said, "I’m so very sorry to hear this information. Prayers of peace for Charlie and his family."
Local Facebook page administrator Mac Morriss wrote, "This is received with great sadness. Charlie was a good human and a superb addition to our City Government. His experience and training was an incredible asset for our City. I will miss him personally. And will miss working with him on projects we were discussing. Charlie, already missing you."
A native of Savannah, George earned a civil engineering degree from Georgia Southern University.
He worked 20 years for coastal marine construction company Thomas & Hutton. He retired in 2017, but resumed work with Effingham County, Georgia as its county engineer. He left that position and moved to Yulee in 2020.
Among the many projects George directed was the Chatham County Recycling Center, the Georgia International Maritime and Convention Center, Shem Creek boardwalk and pier, Newport News drydock and conceptual coastal planning for the Crane Island development.
